Norwalk Art Space Announces New Exhibition Opening In May – Patch

NORWALK, CT The Norwalk Art Space will host a new exhibition highlighting the work of its inaugural group of resident artists: Francisco Mandujano, Lorena Sferlazza, Remy Sosa and Emily Teall.

According to a news release provided by the Art Space, an opening reception will be held on May 5

from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include performances by The Norwalk Art Space Student JazzEnsemble, as well as students who participated in TNAS Teen Talent Night.

The Norwalk Art Space (TNAS) opened its doors last June, in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, providing a source of hope for its students, its artists and the community. Mandujano, Sferlazza, Sosa and Teall began their one-year term as TNAS' first resident artists on April 1, 2021.

As they navigated through their first year, they were integral in launching The Norwalk Art Space's educational program and bringing to life the vision of its founder, Alexandra Korry. The evolving personal journey of each resident artist has been evident as they filled the gallery and studios with their unique artwork.

Through the TNAS after-school art program, they provided guidance and confidence to over 90 students from Norwalk and surrounding areas. This exhibition celebrates their accomplishments and highlights their growth as "world builders," painters, mixed-media collage artists, "naturalists" and teachers during The Norwalk Art Space's inaugural year.

"These four resident artists taught completely separate subjects and mediums, but the common thread was always the exploration of self, and the power in finding one's own visual language," Duvian Montoya, artistic and educational director of The Norwalk Art Space, said in a news release.

Mandujano's creative avatars and worlds of fantasy have inspired kids from ages 1 to 91. Known to his 11,000 plus Youtube fans as Franky D. Crafter, his artwork is based on his desire to facilitate and deepen games of Dungeons and Dragons, empowering participants to broaden their imaginations, and giving his students the opportunity to explore self-empowerment and self-preservation through the creation of fantastical characters, according to the Art Space.

Sferlazza's work has already been exhibited in major galleries around the region, and she continues to excel as educational manager for The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art. Her mastery of mediums is evident in her paintings; she has evolved from brick walls and barriers to figures and life, showing tremendous growth, courage and self-reflection during her residency, according to the Art Space.

"I can't emphasize enough what a gift The Norwalk Art Space has been in my life this past year," Sferlazza said in a news release. "It's been a tough season for many, and this place has given me hope. I grew up in Norwalk, though no place like this one existed at the time. Now as an adult back in the area, I'm so grateful for the honest community that's been developed here. It's been a privilege and an honor to collaborate in teaching and creating here."

Sosa's emotionally charged work immediately draws viewers in because it feels raw, personal, and authentic. Her fearlessness in her exploratory process allows her to pour her emotions into artwork that demands attention. She tapped into this same type of deep expression with her students, allowing them to get lost in the process and learn how to use the creative process to scream out loud, according to the Art Space.

Teall's work, including her Tulip Bulb in the Sculpture Garden and her ever-evolving semi-organic sculpture in the front stairwell, is influenced by the natural cycle of renewal. It brightly announces the promise of things to come while simultaneously hinting at the unpredictable twisting of nature untamed, according to the Art Space.

"My residency at the Norwalk Art Space transformed my artistic outlook, reinvigorated my passion for the arts, and provided access to an invaluable community," Teall said in a news release. "Teaching local students and keeping with Alexandra Davern-Korry's human rights vision is immensely motivational and exciting; collaborating with students pushes my own work further. The greatest asset of The Norwalk Art Space is the powerful community it provides."

Concurrent with the main exhibition, beautiful artwork created by TNAS students during the spring 2022 semester will be highlighted on the walls of the Art Space Cafe. Students have been an integral part of the "Inaugural Journey" and the mission of The Norwalk Art Space is built around them.

Also integral to The Norwalk Art Space are the trusted volunteers who have assisted with over 90 public events since its opening in June 2021. An exhibition of volunteers' artwork will be displayed in the Student Lounge Gallery.

As part of the "Inaugural Journey" exhibition, The Norwalk Art Space will host an artist talk on May 15 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Moderated by David Green of The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, the talk will feature Mandujano, Sferlazza, Sosa and Teall, as well as TNAS Educational Co-Directors Darcy Hicks and Duvian Montoya.

See also: Norwalk Art Space Officially Opens To The Public

An art-making workshop entitled "Envision a World" will be offered May 21 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come celebrate COMMUNITY and the first full year of TNAS in this art-making workshop for all ages.

Join Mandujano, Sosa, Teall and Sferlazza to create 2D and 3D collage art that inspires us to reframe our vision of community. Make new friends, talk about local impact, and experiment with different art-making processes. Perfect for all ages and abilities, registration required.

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Norwalk Art Space Announces New Exhibition Opening In May - Patch